Stephen Appiah Expresses Appreciation For Befitting Testimonial

The former Black Stars captain has thanked all and sundry who supported him during the activities lined up to officially end his playing career. Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has expressed gratitude to all those who played a role in helping him bring his playing career to an end last month. The 34-year-old staged a dinner on June 26 in Ghana to raise funds for his foundation which was followed up with a testimonial match. The current Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan and former Cameroon international Samuel Eto�o were the big donators at the dinner, donating $60,000 and $50,000 respectively. The football match at the Accra Sports Stadium between the Stephen Appiah XI and the Black Stars was also well attended. The sitting president of Ghana and two living former presidents were joined by a host of dignitaries at the stadium. Appiah, who has set his sights on coaching, is full of thanks to all those who supported him last month. �The presence of high profile personalities like sitting President John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, two former presidents John Rawlings and John Kufour, Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Edward Doe-Adjaho, National Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, Apostle General of Royal House Chapel and many others was an indication of massive nationwide support for me,� the former Juventus player said in a statement on Tuesday. �But for the benevolence of some individuals and corporate organisations, I doubt if the level of success achieved would have been possible,� he added. He also sent his heartfelt appreciation to the likes of Eto'o, Emmanuel Adebayor, George Boateng and Guisepe Colluci among others, who, despite their busy schedules, were able to travel to Ghana to take part in the testimonial game. Appiah captained Ghana to the 2006 and 2010 Fifa World Cup tournaments in Germany and South Africa respectively.